Undergraduate Research Opportunities and Summer Workshop

Mission Statement

UGROW affords opportunities for collaborative research between undergraduates and faculty in an interdisciplinary research environment.

MSU Definition of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is an inquiry or investigation conducted by one or more undergraduate students, with faculty guidance, that attempts to make an intellectual, creative, or applied contribution to one or more disciplines. Adopted in April 2013.

History

UGROW was conceived by faculty in the College of Science and Mathematics in 2004 as an initiative to create an interdisciplinary environment to train and nurture young scientists. The first UGROW was in 2005 and since then, it has offered research opportunities to 73 undergraduates. For five weeks UGROW students experience the authenticity of scientific research in faculty’s laboratories, in a highly interdisciplinary environment. UGROW students work on projects of their choice for five weeks and present their findings at the end of program and the MSU Undergraduate Research Forum.

UGROW also promotes conditions in which students and faculty, who would like to cross disciplinary boundaries, can advance knowledge and at the same time enrich their learning/research/scholarship endeavors. In 2012, research experiences were expanded to fine arts and health science students and faculty.

Objectives

To create high-quality research experiences for undergraduates in the College of Science and Mathematics

To provide an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities

To create a pool of talented undergraduates interested in pursuing advanced careers in science, engineering and science education

To expand undergraduate research beyond the College of Science and Mathematics

To enhance recruitment of talented students into MSU undergraduate and graduate programs

1.Objectives

·To create high-quality research experiences for undergraduates in the College of Science and Mathematics